Crock Pot Ham

Crock Pot Ham is a classic, easy-to-make main dish that’s perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or feeding a crowd. With a sweet and savory glaze, this slow-cooked ham turns out juicy, tender, and packed with flavor—all with minimal hands-on time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless cooking: Just place everything in the crock pot and let it do the work.
• Perfect for gatherings: Ideal for holidays like Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving.
• Incredible flavor: A rich blend of brown sugar, honey, and pineapple juice creates a beautifully caramelized glaze.
• Great for leftovers: Delicious in sandwiches, soups, or breakfast dishes the next day.
• Hands-off recipe: Frees up oven space and time for other meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 fully cooked bone-in spiral ham (7 to 8 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• Optional: whole cloves for studding the ham
• Cooking spray or crock pot liner

Directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the crock pot: Lightly spray the inside with cooking spray or use a liner.
2. Add the ham: Unwrap the ham, discard the glaze packet if included, and place it flat side down in the slow cooker. Trim if needed to fit.
3. Make the glaze: In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), and pineapple juice. Pour it over the ham, making sure it seeps between the slices.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, basting with the juices occasionally if possible.
5. Serve: Transfer the ham to a cutting board or platter, spoon some glaze over the top, and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 14 to 16
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (on low)
• Total Time: Approximately 5 hours

Variations

• Spiced ham: Add ground cloves, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the glaze for a festive twist.
• Citrus glaze: Substitute orange juice for pineapple juice for a different flavor.
• No sugar version: Use sugar-free syrup and reduce the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.
• Boneless ham: Use a boneless ham if preferred; reduce cooking time slightly.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap ham slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave or reheat larger portions in the oven at 300°F covered with foil until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless ham?

Yes, boneless hams work great too. Just reduce the cooking time slightly since they heat through faster.

How do I know when the ham is done?

Since the ham is pre-cooked, you’re just warming it. Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F.

Can I cook the ham on high?

It’s best to cook on low for juicy, tender results, but you can cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours in a pinch.

What can I use instead of pineapple juice?

Orange juice or apple cider are great substitutes and offer different flavor profiles.

Should I score the ham?

Scoring isn’t necessary for spiral hams, but for unsliced hams, scoring helps the glaze penetrate better.

Can I add other flavors to the glaze?

Absolutely—try adding Dijon mustard, clove, cinnamon, or garlic powder to create your own signature glaze.

Is it okay if the ham doesn’t fit perfectly in the crock pot?

You can trim it slightly or cover the top loosely with foil if the lid doesn’t close completely.

Do I need to baste the ham?

Basting is optional but helps keep the ham moist and coated with that delicious glaze.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook it a day ahead and reheat slices in the oven with a bit of glaze or broth.

What should I serve with crock pot ham?

Great sides include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, mac and cheese, or dinner rolls.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Ham is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers big on flavor and simplicity. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this ham comes out juicy, tender, and perfectly glazed every time. With easy prep and plenty of ways to customize it, this recipe is a staple for any occasion.

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